I was looking forward to seeing Workshop Theatre and Green Productions presentation of Norm Foster’s “The Melville Boys” at the Pumphouse Theatres last night. I read this play about 20 years ago when I was a theatre student. I always wanted to see this play on stage. It took me a couple of decades to see it happen and it was well worth the wait.

It’s great to see a classic Canadian play be produced by a local group with local theatre talent. What could happen when two brothers go to a cabin to do some fishing and drink a few beers? Family relationships are complicated and when you add cancer to the mix, the unexpected may just very well happen. One of the brothers has cancer and it’s the big elephant in the room as The Melville Boys head off to the cabin. Their weekend plans are taken off course when they meet two attractive sisters. Facing your own feelings can be scarier than cancer.

Justin Michael Carriere played Owen Melville, Jayson Therrien played Lee Melville, Samantha Duff played Mary and Kayte Davies played Lorreta. The acting was very solid. The climatic scene between Owen and Lee is one of the most intense scenes I’ve seen on stage for a while. Well done.

And then there was the music… The play’s soundtrack showcased classic tunes from the 1980’s and 1990’s. I could not help but feel nostalgic for that time. Come on, who doesn’t remember the song “Patio Lanterns” by Kim Mitchell?! Anyone? Come on! That song reminds me of summer and camping.

Norm Foster’s “The Melville Boys” runs until March 21, 2015 at the Pumphouse Theatres. Limited tickets are available through www.workshoptheatre.org

Workshop Theatre will open its 45th season with a black comedy called “Jack the Ripper, Monster of Whitechapel”. This thriller written by Joe Dickinson runs October 17 – 25, 2014 at the Pumphouse Theatres. Tickets are on sale now through www.workshoptheatre.org. Limited run of only 8 shows!

“They cut her like a fish!”

“Holy Mackerel!”

Who is Jack the Ripper? Well, that all depends. There is an interactive element to this play. With three different endings for this play, audience members will have a chance to vote at intermission for which ending they want to see.

This show is a “ripping” good time, a “scream” of fun, and “killed” me with its humor. – Dallas Morning News

This play is a comical but scary treatment of the serial killer who terrorized London in the 1800’s. Many of the characters and events are taken right from history, but others are pure…

I love this article about introverts. There have been many people over the years that assume that I am extroverted when in fact I am really introverted. I remember an actor friend (a definite extrovert) said that introverts could never be good actors. I disagree. There is power to being reflective, being an observer and withdrawing from chaos around you. I like how the article pointed out how being introverted and being shy are NOT the same thing. Bravo!